Is Brad Ausmus the favorite for Tigers managerial job?

After being eliminated from the playoffs last weekend, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland announced his retirement. Many names have been mentioned as Leyland’s possible replacement, but one former Astro may be emerging as a favorite. Brad Ausmus seems to be the one name that keeps popping up every time a managerial position is vacated.

Ausmus was mentioned as a managerial candidate when the Astros were looking last September. Shortly thereafter he interviewed for the opening in Boston. It has also been reported that Ausmus is set to interview for the current opening in Washington.

But Detroit could be the perfect situation for Brad. Nationals. Tigers. Either team would seem to be a dream job for a 44-year old whose only managerial experience came in this year’s World Baseball Classic. Although Ausmus has no prior connection with the Nats, that isn’t the case with the Tigers.

Ausmus spent three of his 18 big league seasons in Detroit, including his lone All-Star season (1999). I know it isn’t much, but at least it’s something — and Ausmus is definitely on the radar in the Motor City. The former catcher has been touted as a future manager ever since he hung up the tools of ignorance after the 2010 season. Currently a special assistant to the General Manager in San Diego, it is looking more and more like Brad’s time to manage is now.